Sri Lanka's Mammals

Sri Lanka is by far the most superior destination in Asia to witness herds of elephants in the wild. There are several national parks where you can get really close to these magnificent animals feeding and bathing in one of the many lake - Uda Walawe you are guaranteed to see herds of up to 100 elephants whilst on jeep safari and is the closest thing to an African-style safari experience in Sri Lanka. Minneriya National Park in the heart of the Cultural Triangle there are herds of up to 150 wandering the park, the newly opened Kaudulla NP, opened in 2002, offers a natural corridor for the elephants migrating between Minneriya and Somawathiya NP's. Here it is possible to take a boat ride on the ancient tank and see the large herds gathering to play, wash and feed all from a more unique vantage point. The island has a high density of leopards, numbering around 500, though they are being further threatened with habitat destruction. Measuring up to two metres in length, these large cats can be hard to spot though and most frequently sighted in Yala National Park where 200 are believed to reside. Other mammals that can be seen in the parks include three species of monkeys, sloth bear, various species of deer and wild cats.